Senior Program and Emergency Response Roles

Senior Program and Emergency Response Roles

Mercy Corps

April 24, 2026June 8, 2026United States
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization founded on the belief that a better world is possible. The organization partners with communities in times of disaster and hardship to implement bold solutions that help people overcome adversity and build stronger communities from within. Mercy Corps has a significant presence in various countries, focusing on emergency response, transitions, and complex program start-ups. The organization is committed to accountability, inclusivity, and the empowerment of communities, ensuring that they are equal partners in the design, monitoring, and evaluation of projects.

Job Overview:
The position is part of Mercy Corps' Alumni Talent Pool initiative, which aims to support emergency response and program start-ups by fast-tracking qualified alumni into temporary senior program roles. This initiative is designed for Mercy Corps alumni who have been employed within the last four years and are eligible for senior program roles such as Multi-Country Manager, director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director, Deputy Country Director, Program Director, Program Manager, Emergency Response Lead, or Start-up Team Lead. Members of the Alumni Talent Pool will have access to short-term opportunities in various countries where Mercy Corps operates, with responsibilities and supervisory structures varying based on the assignment. The role offers professional and personal flexibility, competitive salary, and benefits, depending on the type of employment and location.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities for this position include providing strategic leadership across multiple countries, ensuring oversight of program design, quality, implementation, and compliance for key country programs. Responsibilities also include overseeing multiple Country Managers, fostering high-performing teams through effective remote leadership, driving business development and strategic partnerships, and promoting program quality based on emergency needs assessments. Specific roles such as Country Director involve managing programming, operations, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, while the Emergency Response Lead is responsible for managing rapid emergency responses. Other roles include overseeing program quality and impact, leading program implementation, and ensuring compliance with Mercy Corps and donor standards. Additionally, the Start-up Team Lead will devise project start-up strategies and ensure compliance with Mercy Corps policies and procedures.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a BA/S or equivalent in a relevant field, with at least 5 years of field experience in international relief and development programs. Prior experience with Mercy Corps within the last four years is required, including at least one year as an employee or consultant. Candidates should have experience leading teams, managing performance, and coaching staff. For Country Director roles, at least 5 years of senior-level leadership and field management experience is necessary, along with demonstrated success in working with various stakeholders in complex environments. Professional proficiency in at least one of Mercy Corps' working languages (English, French, Spanish, Arabic) is mandatory, with proficiency in multiple languages strongly preferred.

Educational Background:
A relevant bachelor's degree or equivalent is required for this position. The educational background should align with the responsibilities of managing programs and leading teams in international development and emergency response contexts.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in international relief and development programs, with a strong emphasis on leadership roles and team management. Experience with Mercy Corps is particularly valuable, as it demonstrates familiarity with the organization's mission and operational standards. The ability to navigate complex environments and work effectively with diverse stakeholders is essential.

Languages:
Professional level proficiency in at least one of Mercy Corps' working languages (English, French, Spanish, Arabic) is mandatory. Proficiency in multiple languages is strongly preferred, as it enhances communication and collaboration in diverse operational contexts.

Additional Notes:
The positions are temporary, typically lasting around 3 months, and may involve travel to insecure locations with limited amenities. The living conditions will depend on the assignment location, and housing arrangements will be specified in the position description. Mercy Corps emphasizes ongoing learning, allowing team members to dedicate 5% of their time to personal and professional development activities. The organization is committed to building a diverse and effective team, fostering a culture of trust and respect, and ensuring equal employment opportunities for all applicants.
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